Eight in a row for Chong Wei

JOHOR BAHARU: World number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei lived up to his top billing to his win his eighth consecutive national title by sweeping aside Kuan Beng Hong in the men’s singles final of the Proton National Circuit Grand   Final at the City Council Indoor stadium here yesterday.

MOMENT OF GLORY: Chong Wei in action during the Proton National Circuit final against Kuan Beng Hong at City Council Indoor stadium, Johor Baharu. — Bernama photo

Though it was more of a mismatch when considering Chong Wei’s world number one position and Beng Hong’s 33rd placing on the Badminton World Federation ranking list, Kedah-born Beng Hong did have his moment of glory when he led 5-0 and 15-8 before the former eased past in straight sets 21-17, 21-13.

“My target here was to win the title and I did that. But there are bigger challenges for me, especially the All-England in March and I need to be focused.

“With the Chinese New Year around the corner I must be careful not to over indulge and stay fit and focused on the very title which I want to win badly,” added Chong Wei.

Chong Wei who pocketed RM7,000 as ‘ang pow’ for the Chinese New Year which falls on Feb 14, will take a week’s break for the festive holidays before resuming training on the third day of the Chinese New Year.

Meanwhile, there was a major upset in the women’s singles final when former Malaysian schools champion Tee Jing Yee of Penang edged Lydia Cheah, ranked 28th in the world, 21-10, 11-21, 21-11.

However, there was no such incidents in the men’s and women’s doubles final as favourites Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty wasted little time on the court to dispose Lim Yin Loo-Ng Paou Leng 21-14, 21-12 to take the women’s doubles title while seasoned campaigners Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah bagged the men’s doubles title with a hard fought 21-16, 20-22, 21-13 victory over Mak Hee      Chun-Tan Wee Kiong. — Bernama